Disney Announces Major Transformation of Epcot: Entrance, Play Pavilion

Epcot holds a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans. It was Walt’s last dream, which he never saw to fruition, and it is truly art imitating life.

When Epcot opened in 1982, it was revolutionary. The problem was, this experimental community didn’t stay revolutionary for long. Technology, Science, Engineering, and Life were moving at such a fast pace that the park quickly became outdated. The vision of real-world companies sponsoring pavilions in Future World and countries sponsoring pavilions in World Showcase was never fully realized, and even those companies that did sponsor found themselves on hard times and decided to pull their sponsorships.

But Disney has a dream, and as Walt said, his parks will never be complete “as long as there is Imagination left in the world.” Work will begin on Epcot in the very near future, though no exact date has been given, and everything is expected to be completed in time for the big Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration in 2021!

Let’s take a look at the changes Disney announced for Epcot!

New main entrance

You’ll notice the changes before even entering the park!

The current Leave a Legacy monoliths that sit at the foot of Spaceship Earth will be removed, and the photos will be moved outside the park.

Upon entering the park, you will be treated to a visual indulgence with a brand new plaza design that pays homage to the original. There will be a new fountain design, fresh pathways, and plenty of green space. The classic look will be modernized in a way that celebrates the original vision for Epcot.

In this artist rendering, a new entrance plaza in development at Epcot will greet guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a reimagined fountain. This design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. (Disney) Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Play Pavilion

Epcot will boast a first-of-its-kind play pavilion with fun, interactive, and innovate activities in which kids and families can encounter Disney characters in an entirely new way! The former Wonders of Life, which has recently been used as a Festival Center for all four of Epcot’s festivals, will transform into this exciting new play center.

In this artist rendering, a new play pavilion in development at Epcot will include first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative city bursting with interactive experiences and hands-on activities. Friends and family will interact with favorite Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot. The as-yet-unnamed space will debut to guests in time for the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary. (Disney) Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Plus!…

Disney had already announced some improvements.

Disney has promised to straighten the sight lines, and they will fulfill this promise by redeveloping the pathways between Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase Promenade.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which will be similar to the number one family attraction in Disneyland Paris, is already under construction in the France pavilion.

Also in France, there will be a new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in addition to the Impressions de France show.

The Circle Vision 360 films in both China and Canada will be updated as well, and a new signature dining experience will be coming to Japan.

The space-themed restaurant near Mission: SPACE is also still promised by 2021. This restaurant is under construction now.

IllumiNations will be replaced with a temporary show called Epcot Forever, and the permanent show will open in 2020. Disney is currently putting new equipment in World Showcase Lagoon to support these shows.

An Experience Center showcasing the future of Epcot will also open somewhere in the park.

Herb is the founder, author, webmaster, chief executive, and chief bottle washer for World Of Walt – and he is the Disney enthusiast who put this site together. Ever since his parents took him to the Magic Kingdom on a family vacation as a youngster, he has had an interest in the magic that Disney creates for families.